Seven Reasons to Fertilize Your Lawn

Almost everyone with a lawn knows that they should fertilize, but do they all know specifically why? There’s more to lawn fertilization than just “shoulds” and “to feed my grass”.

1.Plants of any kind need sunshine, water and food to grow, just like people. Plants nutrients come from the air or the soil; some areas have an abundance of nutrients in them, and others need a little help. Lawn fertilization can contribute to the efficient use of land and water, and your lawn can grow in lush, green and beautiful. Lawn fertilization provides the nutrients that your soil may not have readily available.

2.The fertilizers that are on the market today typically come as a slow release combination, or mixed with other elements. Some of the fertilizers come with weed control, pest or moss control options. It is important that you choose a polymer-coated fertilizer that gradually releases the fertilizer nutrients over time.

3.Nitrogen is a vital nutrient in lawn fertilization, no matter what you’ve heard. Nitrogen is a growth stimulant, and will green your lawn when applied at the right time. Don’t apply nitrogen or nitrogen based fertilizers if your lawn is dormant or hasn’t quite shown enough new green growth quite yet. Lots of nitrogen can encourage weed and other unwanted grasses in your lawn.

4.Make sure that your grass is free of thatch and other surface issues. Thatch can trap any fertilizer spread and doesn’t let it get to the soil, where it does all the work.

5.Lawn fertilization during the time of no rain and dry heat (normally called drought) can cause some specific issues. Most fertilizers want some good waterings after they’re spread, and if they don’t get it, they will burn your grass (leaving yellow patches that will compromise your lawn). Make sure that after you fertilize, you water, and give your lawn a good soaking. In extreme summer heat you should reduce the amount of fertilizer you apply to your lawn. The idea is that lawn fertilization should benefit your yard, not wreck it.

6.When fertilizing your lawn, never forget that every grass and every lawn is unique. The climate you grow your grass in is a vital part of your lawn fertilization program. You have to make sure your lawn is fertilized on schedule. Find out what kind of grass you’re growing and from there, find out what kind of fertilizer you need and how often you’ve got to apply it.

7.Don’t ever forget that the fertilizer you buy has a formula on every bag. Each bag tells you exactly what it will provide and how fast it’ll happen. You want the right balance and the best kind of delivery – ideally, slow release. The numbers on a bag of fertilizer tell you exactly what’s in it, so pay attention.

There are many reasons to cultivate a lawn fertilization program, and these are just tipping the iceberg. Fertilization is vital to ensure you get a lush, green lawn.